Enhanced HSP70 in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease with β-carotene Therapy

Barrett’s esophagus is well recognized as a premalignant condition leading to higher incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma than the general population (Cameron, 1995; Katz, 1998; Solaymani-Dodaran, 2004). The risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma is approximately 30 times greater in patients with Barrett’s esophagus as compared with the general population (SolaymaniDodaran, 2004). Barrett’s esophagus usually develops as a result of chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and is characterized by the presence of columnar epithelium with intestinal metaplasia in the distal esophagus (Cameron, 1995; Katz, 1998; SolaymaniDodaran, 2004). Esophageal adenocarcinoma has been rising in incidence over the past few decades (Yang, 1988; Blot, 1991; Devesa, 1998) and GERD has been assumed to be a major factor in the development of Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma (Lagergren,